Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, velvety sauce that is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and salt, stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic powder and thyme to the sauce. Reduce heat to low and gradually add both cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked rice and gently fold together. Slice the chicken breasts into strips and place them on top of the rice. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot from the skillet.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for up to 4 hours before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. The texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: N/A